Modular Electrical Conduit Split Assembly

ABSTRACT

A modular electrical conduit split assembly for efficient installation of electrical wiring. The modular electrical conduit split assembly includes an elongated, tubular conduit having at least one dividing wall running through the interior channel therein, defining separate chambers wherein each chamber includes an indicium disposed along an external surface of the conduit. A connection mechanism such as a coupling sleeve is disposed on an end of the conduit and configured to receive the end of a separate piece of conduit therein. Each chamber within the conduit is configured to receive electrical wiring therethrough which can be coordinated using color coded indicia appearing along the external surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/720,299 filed on Aug. 21, 2018. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to multi-duct conduit assemblies. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a modular electricalconduit assembly that includes a plurality of fittings each including achannel that is subdivided into at least two subchannels via one or moredividing walls extended through the length thereof.

Installing electrical wiring can be difficult and frustrating.Electricians may be working with limited space and need extra individualruns of conduit for the specific situations they are facing. Moreconduits typically require more fittings, thus increasing time and laborcosts. Accordingly, a kit that is configured to enable installation ofelectrical wiring that is more efficient and effective and requiresfewer fittings is desired.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted thatthe present invention diverges in design elements from the known art andconsequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for animprovement to existing modular electrical conduit assemblies. In thisregard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofmulti-duct conduit assemblies now present in the known art the presentinvention provides a modular electrical conduit split assembly whereinthe same can be utilized for providing convenience to the user wheninstalling electrical wiring without the use of excessive amounts ofindividual conduits and fittings.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved modular electrical conduit split assembly that has all of theadvantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages. The presentsystem comprises an elongated, tubular conduit defining a channeltherethrough having at least one dividing wall within the channelcreating separate chambers therein, each chamber including an indiciumon the external surface of the conduit for identification andcoordination purposes, and a connection member disposed on one end ofthe conduit configured to connect one section of the conduit to a secondconduit. Some embodiments include conduits wherein the individualchambers branch off in separate directions at specific angles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modularelectrical conduit split assembly wherein the conduit comprises across-sectional area and is made of a rigid synthetic polymerconstruction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modularelectrical conduit split assembly wherein the indicia included on theexterior of the conduit is color coded such that one color represents aspecific chamber for wiring purposes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modularelectrical conduit split assembly wherein the conduit includes anangular configuration of 90-degrees from a first end to a second end.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modularelectrical conduit split assembly wherein each chamber orthogonallyseparates from the main conduit portion.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly in an angled configuration.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a coupling sleeve of an embodimentof the modular electrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly having two internal chambers.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly having two internal chambers in anangled configuration.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly in an angled configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly in use.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of several embodiments of the modularelectrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of themodular electrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 6B shows a plan view of a first end of an alternate embodiment ofthe modular electrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 6C shows a plan view of a second end of an alternate embodiment ofthe modular electrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a standalone embodiment of thecoupling sleeve of an embodiment of the modular electrical conduit splitassembly.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a connector fitting embodiment ofthe modular electrical conduit split assembly.

FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an alternate connector fittingembodiment of the modular electrical conduit split assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the modular electrical conduit split assembly. For thepurposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the presentinvention, an exemplary embodiment will be discussed as used forinstalling electrical wiring without the use of excessive amounts ofindividual conduits and fittings. The figures are intended forrepresentative purposes only and should not be considered to be limitingin any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the modular electrical conduit split assembly and aperspective view of an embodiment of the modular electrical conduitsplit assembly in an angled configuration, respectively. The modularelectrical conduit split assembly 11 comprises an elongated conduit 12defining a channel therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, theconduit 12 has a circular cross-sectional area but, in alternateembodiments, may comprise any suitable cross-sectional area. The conduit12 includes at least one dividing wall 13 within the interior channelwhich runs a length thereof, separating the channel into distinctchambers 14. In the shown embodiment, each of the distinct chambers 14includes an external indicium 15 along the length of the outer surfaceof the conduit 12 which allows a user to easily identify a specificchamber 14 within the conduit 11. In the illustrated embodiment, theexternal indicia 15 comprises colored tracing lines which allows a userto color code their wiring.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the conduit 12 includes agroove 25 extending the length thereof and terminating where the conduit12 expands to the connecting end. In these embodiments, thecorresponding connecting ends include an internal notch 26 configured toalign with and be inserted into the groove 25 when the conduit 12 isconnected to a connecting end of another conduit 12. This provides africtional fit and a secure connection between the conduits whereby thenotch and groove 26, 25 prevent rotation of the connected components.However, other embodiments of the invention may includes smooth innerand outer conduit and connector surfaces.

In the illustrated embodiments, the conduit 12 includes a wider couplingsection 16. As shown in FIG. 1C, the coupling section 16 may be astandalone component that removable secures to the conduit 12. Thecoupling section 16 includes a diameter at one end that is greater thana diameter at an opposing end. This allows the coupling section 16 tosecure conduit 12 to a variety of other fixtures.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a cross-sectional viewan embodiment of the modular electrical conduit split assembly and across-sectional view of an embodiment of the modular electrical conduitsplit assembly in an angled configuration, respectively. A connectionmechanism 16 is included on one of the ends of the conduit 12 and isconfigured to attach the conduit 12 to a second conduit 12 piece. In theillustrated embodiment, the connection mechanism 16 comprises a couplingsleeve. The coupling sleeve 16 has a diameter D1 slightly larger than adiameter D2 of the rest of the conduit 11 which allows it to act as afemale adapter configured to receive a separate length of conduit 11therein. The coupling sleeve 16 does not include the dividing wall 13which allows for a length of conduit 12 to be inserted therein andeither left to be removably affixed via frictional engagement, orpermanently affixed using an epoxy or adhesive within the couplingsleeve 16. While being coupled, a user may align the external indicia ofthe individual lengths of conduit 12 such that the dividing walls 13align and a continuity of the chambers 14 within the interior channel ismaintained. In some embodiments of the present invention, the connectionmechanism 16 is removable from the system as a standalone component forconnecting individual components, which is illustrated in FIG. 7, forexample purposes. In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 70 mayinclude the internal notch 71 for connection to other components of thesystem.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is shown a perspective view ofan embodiment of the modular electrical conduit split assembly havingfour internal chambers and a perspective view of an embodiment of themodular electrical conduit split assembly having four internal chambersin an angled configuration, respectively. The conduit 12 may includemore than one dividing wall 13 within the interior channel such that aplurality of chambers 14 are created. In the illustrated figure, fourdividing walls 13 within the channel form a conduit 12 having fourdistinct internal chambers 14 which may separately carry wiringtherethrough. In some embodiments, the distinct chambers 14 may divergefrom the main conduit 12 to lead into different directions for wiringpurposes. This may be desired when wiring outlets at varying points froma central power connection. In the shown embodiment, the chambers 14diverge at a 90-degree angle relative to the main conduit 12 and at90-degree angles from the adjacent chambers 14. A conduit 12 havingchambers 14 diverge in an L-configuration such as this will allow theconduit 12 to run through a wall from a power connection and branch intodifferent rooms as needed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the modular electrical conduit split assembly in use. Themodular electrical conduit split assembly 11 will ideally be sold as akit including multiple lengths of individual conduit 12 such that theindividual lengths may be connected together to form a grid structure tocomplete the wiring of a building or electrical grid in general. Themodularity of the conduits 12 allow for different embodiments to bestrung together so that that the individual needs of a user may be metusing the various embodiments. A conduit 12 which includes individualchambers 14 branching off at various angles may be continued usinglengths of individual chambers 14 having a coupling sleeve 16 disposedon and end thereof, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a perspective view of severalembodiments of the modular electrical conduit split assembly. Theconduit 12 may be made according to various configurations based on theneed of the user. Individual embodiments can include conduits havingtwo, three or four chambers 14 as shown in the illustrated embodiments.The conduit 12 can also comprise angled lengths that allow a user tochange the direction of the conduit 12 or provide an offset. Theindividual chambers 14 may be angled relative to the main conduit 12 orthe entire conduit 12 may be angled, according to need.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, there are shown multiple views of analternate embodiment of modular electrical conduit split assembly. Insome embodiments, the dividing wall that forms the internal individualchambers of the conduit twists from one end of the conduit to the other.This allows a desired angle to be achieved and will serve to keep a runof wires as straight as possible, while accommodating for uneven groundor other obstructions.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there are shown perspective views of aconnector fitting embodiment of the modular electrical conduit splitassembly. In some embodiments, the conduit split assembly includes afitting having a conduit body 80 that includes a male threaded connectorend 82 for connection to a female threaded socket. In the shownembodiments, the conduit body 80 includes a central dividing washer 81.Further, the number of split conduits 14 within the conduit body 80 canvary as desired for specific applications. In this way, the conduit body80 can be secured to a box or other related cavities with threads andlock nuts.

The above described system can be made in a variety of materials andsizes to suit different needs. For example, the system can be composedof PVC, metal, or any other suitable durable material. Also, the insidediameter of the conduit can vary in size, and can include examples sizesof ½, ¾, 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, and 4 inches in diameter. Further, theelbow portions of the conduits can include various angles to suitvarious purposes, such as 22.5, 45, or 90 degree angled elbows, forexample. The sizes, materials, and angles can be customized to suitparticular spaces and applications. In this way, the system will becompatible with existing PVC or metal products, such that the modularelectrical conduit split assembly can be connected to the existingproducts to have unlimited means for accomplishing a given project.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

We claim: 1) A modular electrical conduit split assembly comprising: anelongated conduit defining a channel therethrough having an input endand an output end; at least one dividing wall within the channel of theconduit running along a length thereof which subdivides the channel intodistinct chambers wherein each distinct chamber includes an indiciumdisposed on an external surface of the tubular conduit; a connectionmechanism disposed on one end of the conduit configured to secure onesection of the conduit to a second conduit. 2) The modular electricalconduit split assembly of claim 1, further comprising an angularconduit. 3) The modular electrical conduit split assembly of claim 2,wherein the conduit includes an angle of 45-degrees relative to the endsthereon. 4) The modular electrical conduit split assembly of claim 1,wherein the conduit includes an angle of 90-degrees relative to the endsthereon. 5) The modular electrical conduit split assembly of claim 1,wherein the conduit defines a circular cross-sectional area. 6) Themodular electrical conduit split assembly of claim 1, wherein a singledividing wall creates two separate and distinct chambers within theinterior channel. 7) The modular electrical conduit split assembly ofclaim 1, wherein three dividing walls create three separate and distinctchambers within the interior channel. 8) The modular electrical conduitsplit assembly of claim 1, wherein the external indicia comprisescolored lines running along the exterior of the conduit. 9) The modularelectrical conduit split assembly of claim 8, wherein different colorsare used for the external indicia to represent each distinct chamberwithin the interior channel. 10) The modular electrical conduit splitassembly of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism comprises acoupling sleeve configured to receive an end of a separate length ofconduit therein. 11) The modular electrical conduit split assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a conduit having multiple chambers whereineach chamber separates from a central conduit. 12) The modularelectrical conduit split assembly of claim 11, wherein the individualchambers separate from a central conduit at a 45-degree angle. 13) Themodular electrical conduit split assembly of claim 11, wherein threedistinct chambers separate from a central conduit at a 90-degree anglerelative to the central conduit and at a 120-degree angle relative toeach chamber. 14) The modular electrical conduit split assembly of claim11, wherein four distinct chambers separate from a central conduit at a90-degree angle relative to the central conduit and at a 90-degree anglerelative to the adjacent chambers. 15) The modular electrical conduitsplit assembly of claim 1, wherein the conduit is constructed of a rigidsynthetic polymer.